Burnt Hills wins first volleyball title since '05

by jess koehler, Staff writer

Published 12:11 am, Monday, November 21, 2011

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Ally Coniglione of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake bumps the ball to a teammate during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Ally Coniglione of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake bumps the ball to a teammate during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Natalie Moore of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake sets the ball to a teammate during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Natalie Moore of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake sets the ball to a teammate during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Jessica Dillon, left, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up to get the ball over the net during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Jessica Dillon, left, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up to get the ball over the net during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Jessica Dillon, right, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake spikes the ball during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Jessica Dillon, right, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake spikes the ball during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Jessica Dillon, left, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up to get the ball over the net during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Jessica Dillon, left, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up to get the ball over the net during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Siena Wilder of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake dives to get the ball during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Siena Wilder of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake dives to get the ball during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Siena Wilder of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake serves the ball during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Siena Wilder of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake serves the ball during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Siena Wilder of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake bumps the ball to a teammate during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Siena Wilder of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake bumps the ball to a teammate during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Jeanette Braun, left, and Molly McCormack of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake go up to block a shot during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Jeanette Braun, left, and Molly McCormack of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake go up to block a shot during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Molly McCormack, left, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up to block a shot during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Molly McCormack, left, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up to block a shot during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Natalie Ziskin of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake awaits the serve during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Natalie Ziskin of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake awaits the serve during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Natalie Ziskin,center, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up to spike the ball during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Natalie Ziskin,center, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up to spike the ball during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Natalie Ziskin, right, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake waves to family and friends in the stands after receiving her medal and plaque following their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Natalie Ziskin, right, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake waves to family and friends in the stands after receiving her medal and plaque following their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Kaitlyn Valade of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake dives to bump a serve to a teammate during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Kaitlyn Valade of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake dives to bump a serve to a teammate during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Kaitlyn Valade, right, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake watches her spike go past defenders during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Kaitlyn Valade, right, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake watches her spike go past defenders during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Lizzy Morton, right, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up for the block during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Lizzy Morton, right, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up for the block during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Lizzy Morton, left, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up goes up to put the ball over the net during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Lizzy Morton, left, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up goes up to put the ball over the net during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Jeanette Braun, left, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up to spike the ball during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Jeanette Braun, left, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up to spike the ball during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Jeanette Braun, left, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up to block the ball during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Jeanette Braun, left, of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake goes up to block the ball during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Members of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake girls' volleyball team cheer on their teammates during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Members of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake girls' volleyball team cheer on their teammates during their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Members of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake girls' volleyball team climb into the stands to hug friends and family following their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake won to become state champions in Class A girls' volleyball. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Members of the Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake girls' volleyball team climb into the stands to hug friends and family following their State championship match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Members of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake girls' volleyball team celebrate their State Class A championship following their match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Members of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake girls' volleyball team celebrate their State Class A championship following their match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake teammates, left to right, Kaitlyn Valade, Jessica Dillon, Natalie Ziskin and Molly McCormack embrace as they celebrate their State Class A championship following their match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake teammates, left to right, Kaitlyn Valade, Jessica Dillon, Natalie Ziskin and Molly McCormack embrace as they celebrate their State Class A championship following their match against ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Members of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake girls' volleyball team celebrate their State Class A championship following their match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Members of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake girls' volleyball team celebrate their State Class A championship following their match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Members of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake girls' volleyball team celebrate their State Class A championship following their match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens Falls, NY. (Paul Buckowski / Times Union) less

Members of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake girls' volleyball team celebrate their State Class A championship following their match against Mercy at the Glens Falls Civic Center on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011 in Glens ... more

Photo: Paul Buckowski

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Burnt Hills wins first volleyball title since '05

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GLENS FALLS -- Coach Gary Bynon and several of his players fought to hold back tears Sunday after the Class A state girls' volleyball final.

They were tears of joy as Burnt Hills gutted out a 25-21, 25-23, 19-25, 25-18 victory over Our Lady of Mercy out of Section V (Rochester area) at the Glens Falls Civic Center.

Burnt Hills claimed its first title since 2005 and wrapped up a 29-2 season. The 29 victories matched a school record set in 2005.

Their win didn't come easily, but the Spartans earned it with an outstanding defensive performance.

Mercy held a noticeable size advantage, but that didn't stop Burnt Hills from getting numerous touches and blocks.

"This whole weekend our blocking was huge," senior setter Natalie Ziskin said. "Every touch we get at the net is huge. It slows down the ball and gives our defense time to go and get under it.

"Jeanette Braun and Lizzy Morton were looking up at two people across the net from them the entire match, and, I'll tell you, they went block for block with them if they didn't get more."

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Bynon was also quick to credit his back-row players, including junior libero Siena Wilder, who made 28 digs.

"The defense that this group played today will be talked about for a long time," Bynon said. "There were volleyballs that were so close to the ground and were popping up. I said to my staff at least three times, '(Mercy) got the point, but we won it.' "

In the third set, the Monarchs slowed down the typically quick Burnt Hills offense. The Spartans struggled to get into a rhythm and fell behind by five points a few times during the set.

"We like to focus on being fast on offense but lost a little bit of that focus in the third game," Morton said. "In the fourth game we really wanted to do our stuff, play our game and finish the Burnt Hills way."

Outside hitter Kaitlyn Valade was named tournament MVP and capped her career with 15 kills, eight digs and two aces. Valade came up with several key points throughout the match, including a kill she blasted at the Mercy back row to close out the opening set.

"From the day we started this two-day experience in Glens Falls, these seniors have been unbelievable," Bynon said. "Years of playing here and years of playing volleyball all came together this weekend, and I couldn't be happier."

Morton and Ziskin were overcome with emotion when they spoke of going out as state champs.

"This is the happiest I've felt in a long time," Morton said. "We're so proud of everyone and what they did today."

"This is unbelievable," added Ziskin, who had 37 assists and three blocks. "It is the fairy tale ending to an amazing senior season."